H8SPVMT

How was the Ozarks (assume) this year? Been doing the KY Cumberland's for years now. Comms have been much clearer for us too since using the GMRS. JJAM doesn't follow the rules either and focus on better comms for the the overall event. I get along well with the MXT-400. I do have some Uniden HH I purchased too many years ago don't even remember buying them. I'll take these too with me as well this year. IIRC we all used FRS channels anyway for the trail comms and don't know what the guides were using overall.

Honestly, I believe you're correct 99.9% of the time. Most may never use the repeaters anyway and answer permission only out of ignorance or in hopes of maybe using it when you pass thru an area once a year. Unless there is an issue brought to the owners attention, they may not even know who is using it. I have asked to use private repeaters near me and actually talked to the operators. Seldom on a trip do I raise the owner for a chat for a chat (once but an exception).

I don't think there is a way to retract that other than sending correspondence again that rescinds the request. Why bother, just don't use the repeater.

I have heard what you're asking, happening during my travels with the MXT in scanner mode. I very seldom hear any more than shops and road workers in my locale though. While traveling through PA I chanced upon a conversation and got invited in while I was traversing a high mountain. Quite a conversation from linked repeaters! Made my day.

I see the antenna now that I blew up the picture. Thanks!

Does that thing wrap completely around the windshield?

My MXT400 mounted in the Jeep (JK) is mounted on the dash with a little cable coiled under the driver seat with the same antenna you have mounted (Magnetic) on the driver side just forward of the cowling. It is wired directly to the vehicle battery also. It works well in a caravan and long range (15 miles) on a good day, simplex. I think getting used to the microphone and holding it away from the mouth about 4-6" was my problem too. There is a setting on the unit to shut down/off after so many minutes of non use as well. That way it won't stay on but so long without use. Might want to try that if you think the issue is current. My issue is the narrow band. I have to really crank up the volume to hear the wideband side. I don't remember for sure but I do think we can swap between the narrow and wide bands with the use of a computer program and a special cable. I haven't tried it yet myself.

I just hate "Dis-ing" anything but so be it!?

The ghost antenna works best in the woods and mountains where there are a lot of trees and folks are spread out some in a caravan (as I understand it). Your mount is similar to my magnetic mount location and I can achieve about a 15 mile range (MXT400) on a good day using the 6dB antenna.

You and I are in the same predicament. No close repeaters and even worse, I have not heard but a handful of traffic on the radio simplex either.

Like your idea of the letter breakdown: WRJS 317 Wandering Red Jeep Fun -317 Welcome aboard!

If no response from the owner what can you do, "Nothing". Let it go and try again when you think you might need the permission again I would think. Maybe they don't monitor that email address anymore or infrequently at best...

BUT I DID get a chance to speak on the Mt. Holly repeater while traveling thru PA (I was traveling in the mountains on a off road route) and I happened on a fella in Idaho that hear my request for a signal report. Just blew and the wife away! We've had this GMRS MXT400 now for 2+ years and hardly heard a pip out of anyone (except on off road events) and then WHAM. That was fun!

Didn't know.... Like that!

I think it's up to the owner to respond and mygmrs.com can't really do much about that. Owners are private citizens for the most part and could be away for many different reasons. If the repeater is listed as open, try it when you get in the area. As I understand it, permission really isn't necessary. BTW, 700 moved to Kingstree, SC and covers about 60 miles. It is open so permission isn't really required while you visit.

If this happens on all channel setting I would suspect what ever makes the the "squelch setting level" is bad in the unit. Try changing the squelch setting and see how the unit reacts. With that information call Midland and ask to sent the unit back for a checkout. I am a newbie and just throwing this out there. I too get pops of static in certain locations but it seems to be transmissions/burst of telecommunications stuff in different locations but unlike your situation it only happens in different areas.

As a beginner and person that can't raise a reply on the radio on a daily basis I find this thread enlightening to the radio (CB, GMRS, & ham) owner overall. I have one repeater operator I speak with about 30 miles away and I have delved in to a conversation about maintenance, climbing towers etc as we are both over 60 years old. His equipment recently went in for a tuning and possibly some up grades. Of course it is all on his dime, and doubt anyone that uses it would offer to help pay the bills. With that said, I can't imagine anyone that owns a repeater (or radio for that matter) even thinking of getting donations or paid to keep it running at least until there was a larger following. And that brings up the reliability question. If you don't own it, and don't help with the maintenances' how can you rely on it? I suppose there are personal bonds formed to some degree but I can't understand folks getting angry over issues like this. The owner is solely liable and vested in the event not the users. Users are just guest. This is directed soley to private ownership and not paid for by members repeaters/clubs.

Yes, this should be hammered in stone and followed around the globe. This idea has gone too far and needs the FCA to step in and maybe delegate authority to newly converted GMRS/amateur ham radio operators thru a posted decal to squelch this spoken belief. These duly appointed personnel should be blessed with authority to set a (local) fine for such group conversations as well as any discussions on GMRS or FRS frequencies, in any attempts to sway local users. Discussions of this nature is an abomination spread thru the global internet that is taking control of the free speech in all radio kingdoms and is in such, detrimental to the free flow of the natural being of a good idea. All licensing will remain the same and fines will levied IAW the perpetuated level of enthusiasm to all individuals whom persist! Just an idea...

Ya'll go ahead and discuss your silly games. Off Road vehicles already have decided Ch 16 for the call channel.?

Someday. I envision a drone over a military battle field equipped with a (OR MORE) repeater(s) for all branches for instant coms. Same for a large event with several hundred automobiles. Welcome to the forum folks, I just a Jeeper wondering the world, one dirt road or trail, at a time.

Why do you think you have them programed correctly? Have you actually made contact with the repeaters and if so, what is your indication(s) that you have opened the repeater? Did you contact the repeater operator thru a conversation on the repeater, email or text messages? How do you know for certain the repeaters are online and operating? I'm not banging you here, I wheel a lot too by myself and even did the Trans American Trail by myself. An Inreach or Spot with some helicopter/medivac insurance would be a good investment.

Yes you have hit the nail on the head.

With general folks out running the roads around town a dedicated channel can work loosely as a club (per say) to shout out to other members. But when we put a couple hundred Jeeps out in the woods on trails, each have to have their own channels. And then there just isn't enough channels for a congested location for 40-75 square miles. A draw back here is when you start hearing a call for assistance on another trail using the same channel, but miles away and mistaken it for someone on your trail ....

In my travels I scan (simplex) all the channels and have only heard two " good conversations" taking place on a repeater. One was a nation link-in on a Sunday I think and the other was some good ole boys. I must not visit the right parts of the country (hehe).

Other radios on the same frequency will be evident when they transmit by looking at the receiver signal indicator on your radio when they key up the mike as well. You won't know what PL they are using, you'll just know someone within your range is transmitting. That has been my experience.